Be a companion and help stop elder and disabled adult abuse in Stark County!court_angel_logo

Guardianship is needed when a person known as a “ward” is determined to be unable to make decisions for himself due to a mental or physical disability. The ward may be suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disability, autism, or an incapacitating injury. They are some of the most vulnerable people in the community, and they rely on their guardians to make their healthcare and financial decisions.

It is the responsibility of the Court to ensure all guardians act in the best interest of their wards. The Probate Court has jurisdiction over approximately 2,200 guardianships in Stark County. As the elderly population rises, so does the number of guardianships. The volunteer Court Angel is an important point of contact between the Court and the growing number of wards because the Court Angel acts as the eyes and ears of the Court. The Court relies on the reports of volunteers to determine whether the needs of all of these wards are being met, and to protect them from neglect or exploitation.

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Court Angels visit adult wards in private residences, group homes, and local nursing homes. They speak to guardians and wards and submit a report to the Court about the care being provided and make recommendations that will enhance the health and welfare of the ward. They also provide brief companionship for the ward as many do not get visitors outside of their care team.

  • Good listening and communication skills, friendliness, and common sense.
  • Desire to see that persons with serious mental or physical disabilities receive good care.
  • Able to pass a background check.
  • Able to drive self to visit appointments.
  • First, you will review the handbook and training video that covers the guardianship process, ward's rights, communicating with wards, what to look for on visits, and available community resources.
  • Next you will shadow Probate Court Staff on visits until you feel comfortable going on your own or with a partner.
  • Probate Court staff are always available for volunteer support.
  • Finally, we host quarterly non-mandatory trainings/meetings featuring local speakers in the senior/developmentally disabled advocacy field.
  • Visits take around 30-60 minutes each.
  • You schedule the visits with wards/guardians when you are available. If you are unable to schedule a visit that works for you, the visit can be reassigned to another volunteer.
  • Minimum of 1 visit per month
  • You pick where you want to visit. We organize visit files by zip code, so you can make an impact in YOUR community!
  • Visit files can be picked up and dropped off at 2 convenient office locations in Canton and Massillon. Files can also be emailed to you, so no need to fight traffic or pay for parking!